New Council Members announced

Five positions on the Women’s College Council have been confirmed from the recent election. In addition to the re-election of Sally Auld [1990-93] and Jennifer Davidson [1990-92], three new members have been confirmed for 2019:

Jane Oakeshott
[Women’s College 1979-83; Senior Student 1983] Deputy Director – Relationship Management, Campus Infrastructure Services, The University of Sydney

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney, and a Diploma of Education from Macquarie University, Jane’s career has spanned the practice of law (both criminal and civil), teaching at University, University administration and executive search. As a solicitor, Jane worked as a prosecutor for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and as a commercial litigation solicitor for the former State Authorities Superannuation and Investment Management Corporation. These roles followed experience in investigative roles with the former National Crime Authority and the NSW Ombudsman’s Office.

Jane commenced working at the University of Sydney as a tutor in Business law in the Business School while raising a young family. She then moved into more senior professional roles and became the Director of Government Relations and then Chief of Staff to the Vice-Chancellor. Jane moved from the Chief of Staff role to establish the industry engagement unit for the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) and more recently moved to Campus Infrastructure and Services (CIS) as the Deputy Director Relationship Management. CIS is responsible for the large property and infrastructure portfolio of the University, security and other campus services.

Jane is on the Advisory Council for Science and Gender Equity (SAGE) and the Law Extension Committee, the governing committee for the University’s role in teaching the Legal Practitioner’s Admission Board course.  She has recently completed her role as the University’s Project Officer working with Elizabeth Broderick and the six residential colleges.

Alexandra Shehadie
Director of Projects, Elizabeth Broderick & Co.

A graduate of Macquarie and Sydney Universities, and a former solicitor, Alexandra (Alex) Shehadie has held a number of senior positions across government – both State and Commonwealth –  and currently oversees major projects at the consulting firm, Elizabeth Broderick & Co. With Elizabeth Broderick, Alex has led projects of national significance including, The Review into the Treatment of Women in the Australian Defence Force and Cultural Reform in the Australian Federal Police.  Alex was an adviser to NATO on a key project relating to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325: Women, Peace and Security. Working with Elizabeth Broderick, Alex reviewed the culture at the University of Sydney Residential Colleges, including The Women’s College. Alex also undertook cultural reviews of James Cook and Canberra Universities, focusing on respect, inclusion and safety. Alex is currently advising the NSW Police Force on its promotion system.

Alex has a deep connection with The Women’s College. Her mother, Marie Bashir, was the Senior Student and later Chair of the College Council from 1982 to 1990.  Her sister, Susan, was a resident of the College in the 1970s. Alex is committed to the empowerment of women. Her work with The Women’s College reinforced her belief of the critical role of the College in empowering young women through education, community engagement and independent thinking. In 2014, Alex was one of the Australian Financial Review’s, 100 Women of Influence. Alex is an advisor to the Victorian Police Corporate Advisory Group. She also mentors a number of young women.

Sue Weston PSM
[Women’s College 1980-82] Deputy Secretary Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

Sue Weston is currently a Deputy Secretary in the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science in the Commonwealth Government. Most recently Sue has been working on the implementation of the astronomy program with the European Southern Observatory. Sue headed the Government’s Office of Small Business for six years from the end of 2001, and prior to that held a number of roles working with the Australian Taxation Office including providing education and training for business on major tax reforms. She has also overseen the development of her Department’s budget and Portfolio Budget Statements since she was appointed to the Deputy Secretary role in 2009.

In the 2018 Australia Day Honours, Sue was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in advancing the National Innovation and Science Agenda. Sue has a Bachelor of Science from University of Sydney. She also has a Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting, is a Graduate of the Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of CPA Australia, a Chartered Accountant, and has a Professional Certificate in Mediation and Arbitration.

The Council would like to thank outgoing members Jenny Allum, Julie McKay (Chair) and David Wakeley for their commitment and service to the College over the past years.